Lucy Hudson

Planning An International Hen Do: How To Host A Delight Not A Disaster

Hen dos are a great chance for women to bond and celebrate their friend’s impending marriage, but there have also been many disasters over the years.

Maids of Honour with international hen dos to plan have additional pressure, because not only do they have to plan a night everyone will enjoy, but also make sure that it lives up to expectations. International hen dos tend to be expensive, with some women paying almost £1000 to attend, so it needs to be a great night for everyone.

Read on to find out more about how you can create a great event that the bride and attendees will all enjoy.

Figure Out Where You’re Going

Before you do anything else, it’s important that you work with the bride and bridal party to work out where the best destination is for the hen do. There’s an international hen do destination to suit everyone’s tastes, so work out what the bride and the guests want to do on their trip and find a location that’ll give you all everything you could possibly want and more.

Get A Guest List Together

It’s important that you find out exactly who the bride wants to invite, and who out of those people is able to attend, before you start booking all the elements of the hen do. Make it clear to potential guests that they have to give a definite answer, as it’s important that they don’t keep changing their minds. Once you know who’s coming you can create a group chat so that you can all communicate before the event.

Select The Package You All Want

One of the most cost-effective ways to book your hen do accommodation and flights is to choose a package, which will not only give you a slightly better deal but also show you a breakdown of the cost per person. You can include added extras like airport transfers and breakfast depending on the preferences of you and your pals.

Book Some Activities

Having figured out where you’ll be staying, it’s time for the fun part; booking activities. Research the activities on offer in the local area and try to find some that will suit all of you. If you’re more adventurous then find an obstacle course, or if you’re more inclined to enjoy nights out then check out the local bars and clubs. Be sure to include some spare time so that you can all relax and unwind as well as enjoying new experiences.

Take Deposits

Taking deposits will make your friends committed to the event and take the financial burden off you as the Maid of Honour. Keep track of who’s paid and who hasn’t by creating a money pool for the hen do. Everyone can securely chip in and pay their deposit and then add extra money to pay the reminder of their bill as and when they can.

Support Your Friends

Throughout the process of planning the hen do, remember to look after the bride and the other hen party guests. Keep them informed of developments and give them a rough cost breakdown so that they can budget for the hen do. Stay available and be there for anyone who’s having any issues. It might seem like a lot of hard work and preparation, but all of this will be worth it when you’re enjoying yourself on the perfect hen do that you’ve created.

Gather Everyone’s Emergency Contact Details

Your hen party may be made up of adults, but as Maid of Honour and host of the hen do it’s important that you act responsibly and are prepared for every eventuality. Ask all your girls for an emergency contact so that you know that if something goes awry, you’re completely prepared.

Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For Help

The hen do may be the responsibility of the Maid of Honour, but it’s perfectly natural and accepted for you to ask for help if and when you need it. It might be little things like reminding people to pay for things, or it might be larger requests such as asking someone to give you a hand researching activities. Whatever you need, ask other members of the bridal party to help. They’ll understand how much work hosting the hen do is for you and be more than happy to lend a hand.

Pack For A Great Time

As well as everything you’re going to need to a have a good time as an individual, remember to pack things for everyone to enjoy. Bring activities, games, decorations and other items so that the whole group can have fun. Stock up on food and drinks for the hen do, or make sure you know where you can buy them when you get to your destination. Don’t forget to take a gift for the bride as well!

Planning an unforgettable hen do is a great experience but remember that you need to enjoy yourself too. Take the time out of your hectic schedule to enjoy some time with the bride before her next big adventure.